7. Evaluation of Restorative Practices at Miami-Dade County Public Middle Schools
9. Comparison of Lower Body Power Outputs to Muscle-Ultrasound Morphology in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease
POSTER 8
Velocity-Based Training Affects Function, Strength, and Power in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease
Abstract
Velocity-based training (VBT) is a unique resistance-training technique, predominantly used by high-level athletes, which utilizes movement velocity rather than load to dictate progressions. No study has examined the effects of VBT on performance in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of thrice weekly 10% and 30% velocity threshold protocols on changes in functional performance, strength, and power in persons with PD following 12 weeks of VBT. METHODS: Training involved 3 sets of 8 repetitions on ten exercises using HUR computerized pneumatic machines (HUR USA, Park Ridge, IL). Data collected before and after training included the 6-m walk test at habitual (6MWT-H) and maximal (6MWT-M) gait speeds, the 5 time sit-to-stand (5xSTS), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and power testing for the chest-press (CP) and leg-press (LP) exercises. RESULTS: All data were assessed using repeated measures ANOVAs. A main effect for time was seen in the 5xSTS with pairwise comparisons revealing and improvement through a reduction in completion time (Mdiff±SE= -1.480±.451s; p=.005). A time main effect was observed in 6MWT-M. Pairwise comparison showed a decrease in time to completion (-.406±.078s, p<.001). 1RM for both CP and LP showed time main effects. Pairwise comparisons indicated increases in CP (5.095±1.141kg, p=.001) and LP (12.587±3.724kg, p=.004). A main effect for time was observed for LP-power, with pairwise comparison revealing a significant increase (43.644±13.155W, p=.006). CONCLUSION: VBT is an effective training modality for improving functional capacity, strength, and power in persons with PD independent of the velocity threshold used.